Through a Glass, Deadly

This is a fun read -- lots of interesting information about glass-blowing, intriguing characters and some great plot twists. Looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable new series!

Great! This book looks like an action movie. Speedy story and attractive characters were really good. I read this book without stop. Most of all, I love simple story line and happy ending.

This was a superb mystery, sharply written and populated with delightful characters. I've always loved glass, and Sarah Atwell really brought the world of glassblowing to life for me. The main character, a glassblower who owns a shop in Tucson, is fun and feisty...and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind! I am definitely looking forward to the next one in this series.

Time was, one read a mystery for the fun of trying to figure out whodunnit, or whytheydunnit. In the last few years, however, one can also learn about any number of useful and interesting things, all the while enjoying a cozy read. You can learn about (even if not necessarily how to do it) knitting, weaving, making candles or soap, scrapbooking or making greeting cards, running a bookshop or a bed and breakfast. Not to mention catering or running a coffee/tea shop, complete with recipes. That latter is probably my only complaint about this book--and it's a minor grumble. The recipes didn't really add anything, and they're not at all out of the ordinary, either. but -- I would still recommend the book. Glass-blowing is an old art, and not one to be found on every street-corner. I was fascinated by all the tips and elements of the art cleverly strewn throughout the book. Each chapter begins with a definition--some of which I did know and some I'd never heard of. I enjoyed them all. Emmeline Dowell runs a glass-blowing studio and gallery in Tucson, Arizona. She gives classes to those who would like to learn more about the process, and sells her own work, too. She's a feisty, hard-headed forty-something, single woman of the kind that can be tiresome, but the author keeps her from falling into that category. She's a warm and friendly person, which can sometimes get one into trouble, and sure enough, Em's in all kinds of hot water almost immediately. The supporting characters are wonderful, and the travelogue about Tucson, carefully interwoven with the narrative, makes it sound like the marvelous place it no doubt is. The mystery is handled honestly. All sorts of clues abound, but one rushes right by most of them, until the `ahah!' moment arrives, and all is made clear. (Inadvertent pun. Sorry.) Through a Glass Deadly is an impressive debut, and I'll happily anticipate the next installment.

Atwell captures the world of glass blowing perfectly. I have taken glass blowing workshops and her details and description were spot on. I hope this becomes a long series, it was totally enjoyable. I enjoy mysteries set in art and craft venues, and this is one of the best.